Troy library in Lansingburgh closed due to flooding
TROY – The Lansingburgh branch of the Troy Public Library is closed after an inch of water entered through the west side of the building, damaging books, furniture and carpeting, Paul Hicok, the library’s executive director confirmed Friday.
The flooding through the roof occurred between Sunday and Monday. The National Weather Service said 2.46 inches of rain was reported over those two days at Albany International Airport.
Library staff discovered the flooding Monday. The young people’s services section suffered the most. Library staff boxed enough books to fill 30 to 40 boxes in order to allow repairs to start, Hicok said. The library called on Rosch Brothers to examine the roof and Quick Response performed the recovery work inside the branch at 27 114th St.
“At this point we cannot proceed with repairs until we have identified the cause of the leak,” Hicok said in a memo to the library Board of Trustees.
The branch is closed until further notice with staff working at the Main Library. Hicok did not have a time line for repairs until he knows the extent of the damage.
Mayor Patrick Madden said the city will draw on its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist the library in recovering from the damage. Deputy Mayor Chris Nolin said the city would expend $2,500 to $19,000 in ARPA money to support the library.
The library’s insurance has a $2,500 deductible, Hicok said. A review will be made of what has to be replaced.
A neon sign reading closed is turned on at the branch. In addition, a sign has been posted in the branch’s front door saying, “Library Closed thru 1/2/ 2024. “Possibly Longer.””
The notice said it will update the sign and social media when more information can be shared.
Work had been performed on the branch library roof in the past. Hicok
said the portion of the roof where the flooding apparently occurred is an older section.
The Troy Public Library Main Branch at 100 Second St. remains open.